Our Big Cooper Bear

There is a fifth member of our family that I fail to mention as often as the rest and that is our five year old Golden Retriever named, Cooper Phantom Harris. Before there were the girls, Cooper was our baby. However, since the arrival of children, his walks have become less often and attention has dwindled. Despite these blows, Cooper remains a beautifully loyal companion to us and now to the girls.

These days he is often found playing the part of 'The Big Bad Wolf,' 'The Bear,' 'The Lion' and other such roles. He is also a great cushion and playmate.

This post was, however, supposed to highlight the difference between my girls and their different reactions to Cooper.

You see, first there was Indie, who was happy to watch him from behind the screen door but as soon as he was close, she would cry and never attempt to pat him. This changed around the time she was 18months when she could walk around and had grown in bravery. But even now, at three, Inda will still on occasion ask for Cooper to be put in the laundry whilst she plays outside, or cry because she is 'scared' of Cooper.

Noa, on the other hand  is Little Miss Fearless and flails her arms wildly everytime Cooper is insight. As soon as Cooper is within arms reach, she will grab a fist full of fur and tug. I have not let her completely go for it as I am unsure how he would react if she pulled hard enough, but she gets so cross if I guide her hand towards him. She looks like she just wants to give him a great big cuddle.

I think these two will be great mates, if Cooper can cope...